Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: A transient phenomenon in the cardiac catheter laboratory

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a rare stress-induced cardiomyopathy, most often seen in post menopausal women after an emotional stressor. The syndrome usual presents with anginal type chest pain. The electrocardiogram typically shows precordial ST-segment elevation and/or T-wave inversion suggesting left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion. Cardiac ischaemic markers are elevated but coronary angiography reveals a lack of significant coronary artery disease. Left ventricle angiography demonstrates hypokinesis and ballooning of the apex. Wall motion abnormalities resolve over weeks and overall prognosis is favourable. Two case studies are reported here that demonstrate typical presentation of the transient cardiomyopathy.